Charlottetown: Stand under my...
Rihanna may have fallen on some hard times but in rainy April the umbrella is still having a moment—it’s probably the accessory that best embodies the spirit of Charlottetown. They are stylish, classic, useful and nearly omnipresent in early spring when the city begins to resemble a giant puddle.
Besides the obvious reason to carry an umbrella, it can serve several other purposes:
1) An umbrella can be used as a cane. One can balance one’s weight on a tall umbrella, even out long jerky strides and just generally be jaunty, without looking completely ridiculous.
2) Umbrellas are also good anti-mugging devices. Buy one with a heavy steel handle and you might not look like a helpless, hapless, would-be victim.
3) Umbrellas have a place in pop culture history. Pair up a red one with a well-cut suit and a charming damsel in distress in homage to graphic novels in the vein of Sin City or The Spirit. With shiny black shoes and a fedora, it will turn every moment into a Singin’ in the Rain moment. A sturdy black umbrella with a beige London Fog trench inspires thoughts of Inspector Gadget. Go go must-have accessory!
My favourite place to buy this essential springtime device is Bookmark (172 Queen St., 902-566-4888, bookmarkpei.com) an independently operated book lover’s paradise. These umbrellas are covered with paintings of famous authors, poets and playwrights. Shopping online can also be a treat—my favourite spot for inspiration is Pasotti Ombrelli (pasottiombrelli.com). Enjoy!
My name is Amanda Bulman and I’m a 22-year-old freelance writer, graphic novel fanatic, vintage fashion fiend and photographer in the beautiful city of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This Island is not known to our more obviously stylish neighbouring provinces as being a hip, fashion-enlightened, happening place, but I’ve found that once you look around you’ll find that some of Canada’s most talented (and underrated) designers, stores and musicians call the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation home.
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